No Marriage During Studies

In Bangladesh, the practice of girls getting married while still pursuing their education has become a troubling norm. This issue is prevalent not only among those in higher education like Honours and Masters programs but also among students in SSC and HSC levels. Fifty-sixty years ago, this practice was somewhat limited, but it has evolved in troubling ways. Historically, girls were only required to learn how to write letters to get married, but now, while there has been some progress, the situation remains far from ideal. Child marriages continue to be a significant issue in the country.

Recent news highlights that early marriages are a major factor contributing to the dropout rates among students. On September 2, the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) released the Socio-Economic and Demographic Survey-2023 report. According to this report, there are six primary reasons for students dropping out of education: early marriage, joining the workforce, financial instability, a lack of interest in studying, seeking employment, and not returning to educational institutions after the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the report, the primary reason for student dropout is early marriage, accounting for approximately 42 percent of cases. Among female students, the dropout rate is notably high at 71 percent, compared to just 3 percent for male students. However, the report also notes that many boys drop out of education after marriage. It is deeply concerning that such a significant number of girls are forced to leave their formal education unfinished, resulting in a loss of potential skilled labor.

Families often cite various reasons for marrying off their children before they complete their education. For girls, some argue that finding a suitable partner later may become more difficult. Family dysfunction can also play a role, as can the desire to marry off daughters to problematic suitors during their studies to manage household issues. Ideally, children should not be married off until they have completed their education. The premature end of education disrupts gender balance in education and has a substantial impact on the labor market. More critically, early marriage severely limits a girl’s ability to achieve independence. Many girls come to this realization only after marriage, and while some return to their studies later, many do not. The lack of proper education stifles intellectual development and perpetuates low awareness, negatively affecting subsequent generations as well.

We urge the relevant authorities to take a more proactive role in addressing this issue. It is crucial to enhance both social and governmental awareness regarding the detrimental effects of early marriage. Despite the existence of laws aimed at preventing child marriage in Bangladesh, numerous loopholes undermine their effectiveness. The only solution is the stringent enforcement of these laws. In the 21st century, the outdated practice of child marriage has no place in Bangladesh. It is imperative that we advance towards a future where every child can complete their education and achieve their full potential.